'Ugly' cat gains national attention

Veterinarian says unusual-looking cat is normal, healthy

A cat in Stratham is earning nationwide attention because of his unusual appearance.

His name is Ugly Bat Boy, and he lives at the Exeter Veterinary Hospital. While he's perfectly healthy, he's mostly hairless except for mane-like fur on his chest. His unusual hair and leathery skin make him quite a sight, but his owner, veterinarian Stephen Bassett, said he's simply a cat.

"He was born that way," Bassett said. "He always looked like that. He's grown hair in some areas, and then it will fall out. He's never had hair on his top half or his face or his tail, but that's just genetically the way he is."

WMUR reported on Ugly Bat Boy on Friday, and the story quickly became the most popular story on the site. The story was picked up by other sites in the Internet Broadcasting network and then spread across the online world -- appearing on CNN.com, getting links on Facebook.com and digg.com, and even attracting attention on high-profile blogs, such as Perez Hilton's.

Bassett said he was even contacted about a possible spot on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." He said he's not sure if he'll do it.

The veterinarian also said that while Bat Boy is unusual, he's not unique.

"I've seen other cats like him," he said. "I had a female in a year ago that we spayed who is almost identical to him. So I've seen others, so I'm assuming there is some coupling out there in the wild that produces these cats."

For now, Bat Boy is content to hang out on a warm computer, soak up the attention and have the run of the office. He's about 8 years old, and Bassett said he should have no problem living to an old age.